There is no qualifying session like Monaco. There’s no margin for error, no second chances, and no room to breathe. 20 drivers will try to tackle one of the most unforgiving and difficult streets in motorsport. The grid will mostly decide who wins the race.
Here’s what to watch:
Ferrari’s Moment Has Arrived
Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets in FP2, recording a 1:13.026, which was 0.111 seconds ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc had led the way in the opening practice. After a season where Mercedes has been dominant, Ferrari looks like the team to beat this weekend.
Ferrari’s strength in low-speed corners makes them a real threat at Monaco, where the circuit features slow, tight sections.
Leclerc, a three-time Monaco pole-sitter on his home streets and Hamilton, still seeking his first win since joining Ferrari
We might just witness peak Ferrari battle in Qualifying and on Sunday
Pole Position in Monaco is arguably the most crucial of the season! 👀
Who will secure the top spot in Qualifying on Saturday? 💬#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/FtMOOZ9Vlh
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 5, 2026
Can Mercedes Survive Without Their Usual Edge?
Mercedes has taken every pole and race win so far this season, but it seems they will face a tough challenge this weekend.
Kimi Antonelli comes in with a 43-point lead over teammate George Russell at the top of the standings, having won four consecutive grands prix.
However, Monaco is one circuit that doesn’t really care about momentum. It’s more about precision, and FP1 and FP2 has shown that’s Ferrari’s strong suit
Verstappen Ready
Never count out Super Max. The Dutch racer was third in both practice sessions, consistently showing he could be in contention.
Red Bull might not have the outright speed, but Verstappen in qualifying at Monaco is always a threat.
Conclusion
Monaco is often called the jewel in the F1 crown. With very little overtaking possible on race day, Saturday’s qualifying is usually the most important hour of the entire weekend.
Whoever comes out on top this afternoon will likely lead the field into Sunday’s race.
